There are strict guidelines that the Social Security Administration has put forth in order to figure out if you receive Social Security Disability benefits, but the process has improved over time making it easier to understand if you qualify before you even take the time to create an application. As your SSD attorney in Orange, CA, we want to make sure you know if you qualify for benefits or not, so continue reading to find out if you qualify.
Are You Employed While You Apply?
Social Security Disability is specifically designed for those who are unable to work, providing payments that they otherwise would be unable to receive. If you have a job now and are earning enough to support yourself (roughly $1,220 a month), you’ll most likely not qualify for disability.
How Severe Is Your Disabling Condition?
Your disability must be severe enough that you are unable to work, interfering with basic work-related activities. To qualify, you must be unable to work or unable to complete tasks that you were able to prior to your disability.
Does the SSA Recognize Your Condition?
Did you know that not all medical conditions qualify for disability insurance? There is a “Listing of Impairments” created by the Social Security Administration that lists all major body systems recognized as being disabling. You should look to see if your condition is listed in the SSA’s Listing of Impairments before you apply for benefits.
Are You Able To Do The Work You Did In The Past?
It’s possible that your disability may not fall under the Listing of Impairments, but you can still qualify. For example, you’ll need to show that your condition is severe enough to limit your ability to work and/or it interferes with the work you did previously, before your impairment.
Are You Able To Do Other Work?
If you are unable to do the work that you did before your impairment or any other type of work, you may qualify. However, the SSA takes the following into consideration while figuring out if you qualify:
- Your age and education
- Your medical condition
- Your past work experience and any type of transferable skills that could help you in a new position.
Contact your SSD attorney in Orange, CA today so we can help determine if you qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. Ortega Disability Group wants to make sure you know the correct process for benefits qualifications, so give us a call at 657.275.1476.
